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Director of Communications
Human Resources Division - Office of Tennessee Secretary of StateNashville, TN
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Job Description
Director of Communications
Tennessee Department of State
Executive Office of the Secretary of State
Mission: The mission of the Office of the Secretary of State is to exceed the expectations of our customers, the taxpayers, by operating at the highest levels of accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and accountability in a customer-centered environment.
Supervisor: Secretary of State
Summary: The Communications Director shall oversee, manage, and direct communications efforts for the department. The Communications Director will consult with the department leadership on a regular basis to discuss and evaluate communications needs and will make recommendations on how best to communicate with the media, the public, departmental employees, legislators, and other groups on specific issues. The Communications Director is expected to provide strategic advice with a sense of urgency and discretion. If practical, the Communications Director shall also attempt to develop an overall communications strategy for the department.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Education and Experience:
Tennessee Department of State
Executive Office of the Secretary of State
Mission: The mission of the Office of the Secretary of State is to exceed the expectations of our customers, the taxpayers, by operating at the highest levels of accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and accountability in a customer-centered environment.
Supervisor: Secretary of State
Summary: The Communications Director shall oversee, manage, and direct communications efforts for the department. The Communications Director will consult with the department leadership on a regular basis to discuss and evaluate communications needs and will make recommendations on how best to communicate with the media, the public, departmental employees, legislators, and other groups on specific issues. The Communications Director is expected to provide strategic advice with a sense of urgency and discretion. If practical, the Communications Director shall also attempt to develop an overall communications strategy for the department.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic insight and recommendations on messaging with a strong emphasis on issues regarding elections, libraries, and the economy.
- Supervise communications office staff (including creative media and social media), determining job priorities on a daily basis, offering suggestions on how to meet those priorities, and evaluating progress toward meeting those priorities
- Coordinate the release of news releases, reports, social media posts, and other publications
- Provide advice and counsel for publications produced within the department, both for internal and external distribution
- Provide advice and counsel, as appropriate, to assist the information technology staff charged with oversight of the department website
- Serve as the primary media contact for the department by handling media inquiries and coordinating interviews with department representatives as appropriate
- Advise departmental staff and facilitate writing and distribution of internal and external communications, including reports, memoranda, letters, speeches, presentations, op-ed pieces, trade journal publications, and any other documents as needed
- Plan news conferences and media events as needed to convey information regarding reports released or other activities. Direct efforts with various state and federal government, private and community organizations
- Set up meetings with media outlets to communicate information about the role of the department
- Plan and execute small and large-scale events involving multiple stakeholders to support key office initiatives and programs
- Assist members of the media and the public in facilitating public records requests
- Assist with community outreach efforts through media relations training and counsel
- Work with all divisions on improving internal communications
- Oversee implementation of media strategy (traditional and new media)
- Other duties as assigned
Education and Experience:
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in journalism or a communications-related field and at least five years of relevant experience
- Other combinations of education and experience, if evaluated as equivalent, may qualify an applicant for consideration
- Ability to think and communicate strategically by anticipating the questions and needs of internal and external customers
- Ability to deal tactfully with the public, co-workers, and members of the legislature, to exercise sound judgment in decision making, to express ideas clearly, concisely, and convincingly, and maintain adequate documentation of work performed
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage and coordinate several projects or events simultaneously, support team members, and track complex tasks across multiple stakeholders
- Strong understanding of media operations, strategies, and working relationships with state and national media contacts
- Strong written and verbal communicator, with great attention to detail and ability to meet time-sensitive deadlines
- Ability to think creatively in approaching problem-solving
- Demonstrated ability to plan effectively and the flexibility to quickly pivot to areas of pressing concern.
- Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and be willing and able to travel independently throughout the state, including overnight travel
Application Instructions: Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to be considered for this position.
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